Cas Shulman-Mora

In my 15 years experience as a Spanish translator and interpreter I feel I have had the opportunity to work in the vast majority of the venues available in my language combination: State and Federal Court, U.S. Department of State, the Department of Treasury, the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, U.S.–Panama bilateral trade negotiations, multilateral ministerial meetings and private conferences to name a few. The topics on which I have had to become “expert for a day” have ranged from tractors to bomb-sniffing dogs and from super-string theory to the harmonized system.

As a graduate of MIIS I have found that the professional contacts and friendships I have developed over the years have been invaluable. Doors have opened for me in both translation and interpretation as a direct result of being a MIIS graduate, and the relationships I have established throughout the years continue to bring new opportunities.

Since joining the regular faculty of the Graduate School of Translation, Interpretation and Language Education I have begun to focus my energies on harnessing what I have learned over the years and attempting to synthesize my successes and failures into usable lessons for my students. In the classroom, I strive to create an environment where students feel empowered and equal. I want them to remember that they are indeed capable of mastering the art and science of language and communication.

In the last year, I have worked to bridge the gap between the classroom and the profession for GSTI Spanish students by designing and implementing a model for the International Translation and Conference Interpretation Practicum. The first Practicum was conducted at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in Santiago Chile in January 2011. International Translation and Conference Interpretation Practicum This type of pre-immersion in the professional workplace helps students gauge the distance between their work and what is expected of them in the market and make lasting contacts that will serve them throughout their careers.

Expertise

Translation and Interpretation between Spanish and English.

EDUCATION:

M.A. in Spanish Translation and Interpretation, Monterey Institute of International Studies

B.A. of Latin American Studies and Spanish Literature, University of California at Santa Cruz

Course List

Courses offered in the past four years. ▲indicates offered in the current term▹indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]

TISP 8513 - Intro Sight Trans to English

TISP 8527 - Intrm Intrp-Siml into English

Builds on the practical and theoretical foundation laid in Introduction to Interpretation. Consists of both language-specific and joint sessions with other language programs.

In consecutive, students learn to identify the implicit structural organization of an extemporaneous speech by presenting and interpreting speeches of this type. Reinforces ability to perceive essential meaning and further develops note-taking techniques. Emphasizes clarity of expression, correct style and grammar, proper diction, and polished presentation. Students also expand their active vocabulary to include the terms and idioms that frequently occur in extemporaneous speeches. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret passages that are delivered extemporaneously, are of moderate difficulty, and are derived from professional settings. These passages vary from one to several paragraphs in length depending upon language combination, direction, and source content.

In simultaneous, students are introduced to basic strategies of interpreting in this mode in the booth. Begins with a general introduction and follows up with a series of preparatory exercises helping students develop the concentration necessary for listening and speaking at the same time, mastering voice management, and acquiring smooth delivery techniques. Students learn to analyze discourse for meaning while rendering a coherent version in the TL with correct grammar, diction and style. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret passages that are between eight and ten minutes in length.

Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with some emphasis placed on business and economics. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.

Course prerequisites: Introduction to Interpretation or the equivalent

TISP 8635 - Adv Intrp I Consc into English

This is the first of two complementary courses designed to bring interpretation knowledge and skills up to the professional level. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first-year interpretation courses to produce interpretations that would be of acceptable quality in a professional setting. Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on business, economics, science, technology, and other topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the language combination in question. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.

In consecutive interpretation, students prepare by researching topics before each session, with emphasis on sequential logic in notetaking and accurate terminology in delivery. Students continue to hone their skills by diagnosing and correcting problems at all stages from listening through delivery, while progressing to increasingly difficult and challenging material. In simultaneous interpretation, the techniques learned in the previous semester are consolidated, which enables students to polish their delivery and language register. Focuses on nuance of meaning, accuracy of interpretation, research and preparation for conferences, and glossary development. Special attention is given to maintaining concentration while under significant psychological stress. Students learn to recognize SL discourse patterns and render them effectively in TL.

At the end of the course, students are able to interpret difficult passages that are derived from professional settings. In consecutive, students are able to interpret passages up to several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous interpretation, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.

TISP 8645 - Adv Intrp II-Consc to English

Advanced Interpretation II – Consecutive and Simultaneous

This course is the counterpart to Advanced Interpretation I. Students are expected to interpret speeches of considerable difficulty and complexity and to cope with the types of challenges that are likely to be encountered in professional settings. Provides final preparation for the Professional Examinations.

In consecutive interpretation, emphasis is placed on both science and technology and political rhetoric, requiring particular attention to nuance and tone. Students learn the vernacular of political speeches and other challenging material while sharpening listening, processing, and notetaking functions.

In simultaneous interpretation, advanced instruction is given for difficult speeches. Emphasizes following the logic of complex scientific and technical discourse, and remaining faithful to the style and tone of persuasive political discourse. Students are also introduced to simultaneous interpretation with text. They learn how to draw upon outlines, transcripts, slides and transparencies, and other written materials to enhance the accuracy and completeness of their interpretation. Emphasis is placed on text preparation strategies and efficient use of textual materials while on the air.

Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the relevant language combination(s). Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.

At the end of the course, students are expected to interpret difficult speeches in professional settings. In consecutive, students are called upon to interpret passages that are several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.